Pediatric Surgery

If your child needs pediatric surgery, it’s good to know that Nemours surgeons and specialized teams are skilled in procedures ranging from routine outpatient surgery to complex inpatient surgeries. Pediatric surgeons perform “general surgery” (also called “pediatric surgery”), which means operations for children on areas of the body other than the “brain, bones, and heart.”

Read More About Pediatric Surgery

We offer a wide range of surgical services in our advanced pediatric surgery center for kids of any age, from newborns to teens. Some of the common pediatric surgeries our board-certified surgeons perform treat conditions and problems like:

abnormalities or defects: either congenital (present at birth) or acquired (ones that develop over time) — of the abdominal wall, chest wall, endocrine system (glands), gastrointestinal tract, lungs, head, and neck

abscesses, lesions, and burns on the skin and soft tissue

appendicitis: inflammation of the appendix (a small finger-like organ that's attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the abdomen and is usually accompanied by fever and pain in the lower abdomen and around the belly button that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation)

Pediatric surgery is very different from surgery for adults. That’s why our surgical teams at Nemours Children’s Hospital (NCH) are specially trained to help children of all ages — from newborns just entering the world, to teens on the verge of adulthood.

Bringing New Expertise in Pediatric Surgery

NCH has attracted world-class pediatric surgeons from top children’s hospitals in the nation. As recognized leaders in their field, each physician shares the spirit of collaboration, research, and education and provides the highest quality of care to Central Florida’s children and families.

Together we’re bringing first-ever programs to the region and offering leading-edge inpatient and outpatient clinical care and treatment currently not offered in our area, including:

We’re completely committed to providing a truly family-centered, whole-child model of care. This means we involve you, the parents, every step of the way — including you in our decision-making and always listening to your thoughts and concerns.

In general, our surgical care team provides:

diagnosis and advanced surgical treatment for all pediatric conditions in operating rooms that are fully-equipped for minimally invasive procedures

What We Do: Types of Pediatric Surgeries and Procedures

NCH brings together a highly trained, interdisciplinary surgical team of pediatric specialists with the expertise to treat a full spectrum of pediatric conditions including gastrointestinal diseases (like inflammatory bowel disease), congenital defects (conditions present at birth), and tumors (like neuroblastoma and Wilm’s tumor).

Some operations that used to be done with “open surgery” (which requires larger “open” incisions) are now performed in a “minimally invasive” way using patient’s natural openings (like the mouth and throat) or tiny incisions (an inch or smaller).

Minimally invasive surgery refers to:

Endoscopy: a procedure that includes passing a small lighted telescope through a body opening to examine the inside of the body. Instruments can also be passed through the scope to remove small objects such as kidney stones or to take biopsies (when a piece of tissue is obtained for close examination). This means some procedures can be done without any cut at all — and a child can go home the very same day.

Laparoscopy: a procedure that allows us to diagnose and/or repair or treat a problem using one or more small incisions rather than a large open incision. One small incision is used for a tiny camera, which gives the surgeon a magnified view inside the body. The other incisions are used for inserting surgical instruments. The surgeon also inflates the abdomen with gas in order to see the inside of the body more clearly. Laparoscopy is often called “band-aid surgery” because the incisions are small enough that they can be covered with small bandages after surgery instead of a large dressing.

Thoracoscopy: a procedure that helps surgeons diagnose and treat chest conditions. Through small incisions called “ports,” surgeons use cameras and lighted scopes to view inside a patient’s chest cavity and insert instruments to perform procedures. This type of surgery is also referred to as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or VATS.

Basically, whenever you see or hear “oscopy” or “oscopic” at the end of a procedure’s name, it means “use of a scope” and sometimes other instruments to diagnose, inspect, and/or treat a problem.

Minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits, including:

shorter hospital stays

quicker recovery times

less pain and discomfort

reduced risk of infection and bleeding

much smaller scars

Surgical Treatment for Congenital Anomalies

Nemours surgeons treat congenital anomalies (medical conditions that are present at birth) using advanced minimally invasive procedures for children of all ages, including newborns.

Some of the congenital conditions we treat include:

abdominal wall defects

anorectal malformations

diaphragmatic hernias

intestinal atresia

lung lesions

necrotizing enterocolitis

pyloric stenosis

tumors

Our Team Approach to Your Child's Care

Our pediatric surgeons work together as a team with other Nemours specialists that may be involved in your child’s care (e.g., gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, nutritionists) and you’ll often be able to see many of them all in one location, all on the same day.

Your Child’s Circle of Care

Your child’s circle of care will include medical and support providers as well:

Surgical nurse liaison: keeps you updated about your child’s progress during surgery and makes the process as easy as possible on your family

Psychologist: helps your child understand and manage emotions before and after surgery

Child Life specialist: helps your child cope with stress and anxiety through therapeutic play

Social worker: guides you every step of the way and helps you cope with what’s happening

Surgical Center of Excellence: Patient Care, Research and Education

Located in the heart of Lake Nona Medical City, NCH is a dedicated home for science, teaching, and training. Our surgeons (who do not have private practices) are here full-time, developing cures, teaching tomorrow’s leaders in pediatric health care, and bringing the most advanced treatments to bedside, faster.

Nemours Partnerships in Orlando – and Beyond

We’re forming relationships with our Medical City neighbors — and the international medical community — to further groundbreaking advancements in research and education.

For example, we’re:

conducting joint research with Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute to study the role stem cells and gene therapy have in treating wounds (funded by the National Institutes of Health)

forging academic partnerships with the University of Florida and University of Central Florida colleges of medicine

bringing in world-renowned pediatric surgical specialists to share their research, knowledge, and expertise with our physicians who are teaching future pediatric specialists

Because we truly believe in family-centered care, we invite you (one parent or guardian) to the operating room to be with your child until just after sedation. We also provide our families with a peaceful place to wait without leaving the surgical floor, in our beautiful rooftop garden.

What Happens During the Pre-Surgical Visit

Before any type of surgical procedure, your child will require a pre-surgical visit. At this visit, you and your child will meet your surgeon, discuss the diagnosis and details of the operation, and get answers to all of your questions or concerns. You may also meet with an anesthesiologist if necessary.

We’ll call you before your visit so you'll know what to bring, like:

any medications your child is currently taking

your ID

insurance and/or Medicaid cards

proof of guardianship, if applicable

When you arrive for a pre-surgical visit, go directly to the pre-surgical clinic area on the second floor. There, the patient service representative will review and verify your information and insurance. You will also complete a medical history form.

A nurse practitioner will assist with the visit and order any necessary tests. She or he will also inform you about what to expect the day of the surgery, including:

how your family will be kept updated during the procedure

when you can expect the surgeon to come out and speak with you

when you can join your child in the recovery room

EmmiKids Programs: Online Educational Videos for Families

At the end of the pre-surgical visit, you and your child may have the option to view an online educational program from EmmiKids about the upcoming surgical procedure and the anesthesia. You can watch these programs at the hospital or you may choose to watch them at home or in your local library. We’ll give you an access code to view the program(s).

The day before surgery, the surgical services staff will call you to check on your child’s health status, give you a time of arrival for the next day, update you on feeding instructions, and answer any questions.

General Feeding/Drinking Instructions

No food, milk, formula or breast milk may be consumed after a specific time (provided by your surgeon) on the day of the surgery. Your child may only have apple juice, electrolyte replenishing/sports drinks or water up to four hours prior to scheduled surgery time. These are considered “clear liquids.” We ask that you do not substitute other juices. Special Note: Infants 11 months or younger may have breast milk, but only up to six hours prior to surgery.

Suggested items to pack for your child:

empty baby bottle or cup

special feeding or suction equipment (if needed)

bathrobe

slippers

socks

favorite stuffed animal and/or blanket

loose-fitting clothes

eyeglasses (if needed)

Please remove the following items from your child:

all jewelry — including earrings

fingernail polish

hair accessories

contact lenses

retainers

What Happens the Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, we ask that you be here at the time instructed so your child’s surgery won’t be delayed. We encourage you to allow extra time in your travel plans in case of traffic or unexpected delays.

Parking and Where to Go in the Hospital

When you arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery, you can use our complimentary valet parking, or you can self-park in the garage near the outpatient entrance. Valet services are located at the outpatient entrance and are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Once inside the hospital, go straight to the surgical services desk on the second floor. There, the patient service representative will greet you, review your child’s information and insurance status, and check your child in. We’ll give you a case number, as well as a pamphlet with instructions about where to go and what to do during the waiting period. We’ll ask your child to change into a hospital gown and will then check vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure and weight.

Just Before Surgery

While waiting for surgery, your child can play in our colorful, relaxing surgical commons area featuring many interactive games and activities to help reduce anxiety and pass the time. We also have a “toy store” where your child or teen can choose from a variety of gifts like stuffed animals, ball caps, and electronic items to keep.

When it’s close to the time for surgery, we’ll escort you and your child to an exam room, where you’ll meet the anesthesiologist and operating room nurse. As part of our unique family-centered model of care, our anesthesiologists may allow one parent to accompany your child to the operating room and stay until just after the anesthesia is administered.

During and Just After Surgery

You’ll be asked to stay in the surgical waiting area while your child is in the operating room. A nurse liaison or a trained volunteer will keep you updated during the procedure. If you need to leave the area for any reason, please inform a staff member.

After surgery, your child’s surgeon will come out to discuss the procedure and answer any questions you may have. We’ll inform you as soon as you can join your child in the recovery area or “wake up” room.

Patients must be fully awake before discharge. You should plan to stay in the recovery area for at least one hour (or longer, depending on your child). It’s very common for children to experience nausea and/or vomiting just after surgery, and also have a flushed face. We’ll offer clear liquids to drink when your child is ready. If your child will be admitted to the hospital after surgery, you’ll be given instructions ahead of time.

Once your child is ready for discharge, a nurse will review instructions with you regarding diet, wound care, medication, activity, and when your child should return to see the doctor. You may also be given prescriptions.

What to Expect During and Just After Surgery

You’ll be asked to stay in the surgical waiting area while your child is in the operating room. A nurse liaison or a trained volunteer will keep you updated during the procedure. If you need to leave the area for any reason, please inform a staff member.

After surgery, your child’s surgeon will come out to discuss the procedure and answer any questions you may have. We’ll inform you as soon as you can join your child in the recovery area or “wake up” room.

Patients must be fully awake before discharge. You should plan to stay in the recovery area for at least one hour (or longer, depending on your child). It’s very common for children to experience nausea and/or vomiting just after surgery, and also have a flushed face. We’ll offer clear liquids to drink when your child is ready. If your child will be admitted to the hospital after surgery, you’ll be given instructions ahead of time.

Once your child is ready for discharge, a nurse will review instructions with you regarding diet, wound care, medication, activity, and when your child should return to see the doctor. You may also be given prescriptions.

What to Expect the Day After Surgery

Make sure your child rests as much as possible after surgery. Temporary nausea or vomiting is quite common after discharge. But if your child experiences any of the symptoms below, call your surgeon or the nursing staff immediately:

a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit

persistent nausea or vomiting

severe pain that’s not relieved by prescribed medication

excessive bleeding from an incision

A nurse will call to check on your child’s recovery and to address any questions or concerns. We’re committed to making your child’s surgical visit as pleasant and safe as possible – before, during and after the procedure.

Managing Pain After Surgery: Nemours Pain Management Program

If your child is experiencing post-surgical pain, we can help. Nemours Children’s Hospital has one of the only pediatric pain management programs in the country that provides holistic, whole-child — and whole family — healing for children and teens experiencing acute (temporary) or chronic (ongoing) pain. Our integrated program is led by a world-renowned pediatric anesthesiologist who is also board-certified in pain management. We focus on relieving the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of pain using a variety of therapies in an outpatient or inpatient (day stay hospital program) setting.

A Hospital Designed by Families, for Families

At Nemours Children’s Hospital, family-centered care is at the heart of everything we do. In fact, families helped shape the unique amenities and convenient services that make our hospital like no other in the region.

If Your Child Needs to Stay Overnight in Our Hospital

You’ll feel right at home in one of our private patient rooms designed with input from families who understand what it’s like to have a child in the hospital.

GetWellNetwork interactive television (uniquely based on your child’s age, medical condition and more) so your child can watch TV, surf the Web, check e-mail, play music and games and learn about your Nemours health care team

If your child needs medical imaging, we offer some of the area’s most advanced pediatric radiology services here on campus at Nemours Children’s Hospital.

Our unique services include:

interventional radiology: Our team of experts uses image guidance to diagnose and treat diseases and tumors throughout the body. Certain conditions that previously required open surgery can now be treated by Nemours pediatric interventional radiologists. We are very fortunate to have the only dual-trained pediatric diagnostic and interventional radiologist in the state.

Central Florida’s only 256-slice Brilliance iCT Scanner: We are one of only a handful of children’s hospitals in the country to have this latest generation CAT (or CT) scanner that scans faster than most machines and produces excellent images in a much shorter time with much less radiation exposure for the child.

Our team of board-certified pediatric radiologists and pediatric radiologic technologists are experts in the safe medical imaging of children of every age, even newborns.

We have also pledged our commitment to the “Image Gently” campaign of the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, which is increasing awareness of the opportunities to promote radiation protection in the imaging of children.

If your child has a complex or chronic condition, we encourage you to take advantage of KidsTRACK, a unique service of Nemours Children’s Hospital. Located on the first floor of our hospital, KidsTRACK is designed to help families by providing expert assistance and information on all aspects of your child’s care, even before you leave our hospital or clinic.

A KidsTRACK care coordinator is available during every step of diagnosis, treatment, and healing — helping your family make a smooth transition from Nemours Children's Hospital to home. Your coordinator works alongside the nursing /case managers in our subspecialty areas and acts as a single point of contact connecting you to medical and community resources. Simply ask your physician for a referral to KidsTRACK or call (407) 650-7715.

If you see information that needs updating or if you encounter a missing page or link, please let us know.
To request an appointment, please contact us by phone.

If this is a medical emergency or if you have an urgent health-related question, please call 911
or contact your local emergency number.

Please do not submit personal medical information through this form. We cannot offer medical advice online.
We won’t use contact information you provide on this form for marketing or solicitation purposes.
Thank you for helping us.